Syracuse, N.Y. -- Kathleen Stress has taken over the helm of the Food Bank of Central New York. She replaces Tom Slater as the executive director of the organization.

Stress has been at the food bank since 2007 as the chief operating officer. Slater had been the executive director since 1995.

Kathleen Stress takes over the helm of the Food Bank of Central New York today. provided photo

Stress began working in the nonprofit field in day care 20 years ago. At the food bank, she has overseen the day-to-day operations including warehousing, relationships between the food bank and other agencies, nutrition, outreach and philanthropy.

"Tom's leadership and guidance over the last 18 years leaves the organization in a strong position in the community," Stress said.

The Food Bank of Central New York supplies 268 food pantries and other emergency food programs in 11 counties. Last year, the agency distributed 12.2 million pounds of food.